Menopause specialist in London

Menopause is a natural process that happens as women get older and hormone levels start to drop. This usually occurs gradually, and you may notice your periods becoming more and more irregular over the course of four to five years. You may also develop symptoms due to falling oestrogen and progesterone levels, even while you are still having periods. 

This phase is known as perimenopause, and can last just a few months or several years, and often begins around your forties. 

The signs and symptoms of menopause itself are different for everyone and usually begin between the ages of 45 and 55 for most women, with the average age being 51. 

The symptoms you’ve experienced during perimenopause may intensify around this time, and menopause itself is defined as when you have not had a period for 12 months.

Around 1 in 10 women go through menopause before the age of 40, and it’s not always clear why this is. It can happen naturally – it may run in your family – or be caused by treatment for other conditions. 

The main symptom of early menopause is not having your period regularly, or your periods stopping completely. However, you may not have obvious signs, especially during the early stages. Issues at this time can include fertility problems, as well as anxiety, brain fog, night sweats and vaginal symptoms – all of which can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions. 

If you have any signs of early menopause, it is always a good idea to see a doctor or specialist. They can carry out blood tests to check your hormone levels and advise you on what to do next. 

According to the British Menopause Society, around 75% of women experience menopause symptoms and for one in four women, these are classed as severe. However, every woman has a different experience of the menopause, based on a wide range of factors, including diet, lifestyle, social circumstances, as well as family history.

The most common symptoms associated with the menopause include:

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Low mood, not feeling ‘yourself’
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Poor sleep patterns
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint aches and pains, including back, knee and shoulder pain
• Urinary symptoms, including recurrent infections and incontinence
• Vaginal dryness, itching, burning
• Painful sex 
• Lack of libido

There is much that can be done to reduce and treat symptoms, including HRT as well as non-hormonal treatments. Symptoms can also change and improve over time, but on average they tend to last for seven years.

Our menopause appointments include an in-depth consultation so you have plenty of time to discuss your symptoms, a full examination and a blood test. You can find out the costs of our menopause packages here. 

Visiting a private menopause clinic can be beneficial if you want tailored care and in-depth consultations. 

At The Medical Chambers Kensington, our team of highly experienced gynaecologists are experts in providing personalised care, and the latest in treatment options. They will carry out a comprehensive assessment and develop an individual treatment plan to help you navigate the right pathway for your needs. 

If you are thinking about taking HRT, for example, they can advise you on the pros and cons of the different types that are available and help you decide if this is the right approach for you. For those who can’t or don’t wish to take HRT, there are many other treatments that can help. For example, we offer non-hormonal medication to reduce hot flushes or cutting-edge technology to help manage uncomfortable vaginal symptoms, including MonaLisa Touch laser treatment and radiofrequency. 

If you’re thinking about seeing a private menopause specialist in London, we offer tailored treatments based on the most advanced research available. This can include:

• HRT, to bring low levels of oestrogen hormone back into the normal range
• Topical hormones such as oestrogen and DHEA for vaginal dryness
• Female testosterone
• State-of-the-art laser treatment for vaginal symptoms
• Radiofrequency – non-invasive treatment for vaginal symptoms, including urinary incontinence and dryness
• Medications that calm the bladder
• Guidance on pelvic floor physiotherapy
• Treatment for low libido and other sexual issues
• Fertility assessments with a Consultant Gynaecologist if you’re trying to get pregnant and are going through perimenopause or early menopause

We recommend an integrated approach and often incorporate holistic therapies to complement your medical treatment and help manage menopause symptoms. 

These can include:

• Yoga – studies show that yoga may help to reduce symptoms of menopause
• Herbal and other supplements – some women may find supplements helpful, such as soy isoflavones, black cohosh and sea buckthorn oil
• Acupuncture may help to reduce hot flushes
• Support with lifestyle changes, including dietary advice, exercise, reducing your alcohol consumption, stopping smoking and help with sleep issues